City Council
Regular MeetingOcala, FL · September 16, 2025
Minutes
110 SE Watula Avenue
Ocala Ocala, FL 34471
City Council www.ocalafl.gov
Minutes
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:00 PM
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Ben Marciano
Pro Tem Ire J. Bethea Sr
Council Member James P. Hilty Sr
Council Member Barry Mansfield
Council Member Jay A. Musleh
Council President Kristen M. Dreyer
Municipal Officers/Others Present: The meeting was also attended by City Manager Peter Lee,
City Attorney William Sexton, Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead, Deputy City Clerk
Pamela Omichinski, Fire Chief Clint Welborn, Police Chief Michael Balken, Internal Auditor
Randall Bridgeman, Assistant Finance Director Peter Brill, Director of Airport Matthew Grow,
Planning Director Aubrey Hale, Budget Director Tammi Haslam, Community Development
Services Director James Haynes, Director of Parks & Recreation Julie Johnson, HR/Risk
Management Director Todd Swanson, City Engineer & Director of Water Resources Sean
Lanier, Chief Financial Officer Janice Mitchell, Director of Public Works Darren Park, Director
of Electric Utility Doug Peebles, Director of Ocala Fiber Network Mel Poole, IT Director
Christopher Ramos, Strategic & Legislative Affairs Administrator Jeannine Robbins,
Procurement & Contracting Officer Daphne Robinson, Growth Management Director Jeff
Shrum, Chief of Staff Chris Watt, Ocala Police Dept Representative, IT Representative, The
Press and other interested parties.
2a. New Employees
- Jordan Price, Ocala Fiber Network
- Zachariah Farrell, Ocala Fiber Network
- Bradley Ottinger, Public Works
- Alex Jones, Public Works
3. Public Notice
- Public Notice for the September 16, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting was posted
on August 20, 2025
4. Proclamations and Awards
4a. Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Michael Hoffmann
Mayor Marciano presented the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Michael
Hoffmann in appreciation of his contributions to the community. Mr. Hoffmann thanked
the Mayor for the award, as well as the parents of his students at Forest High School for
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their continued support.
4b. Presentation of the Give4Marion Day Proclamation to Ocala/Marion County Community
Foundation President and Executive Director, Lauren DeIorio
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Give4Marion Day. The City proclaims
September 16, 2025, as Give4Marion Day. Ms. DeIorio, on behalf of dozens of citizens
involved with Give4Marion Day, urged everyone to donate and help local community
nonprofits through the donation drive. A celebration will be held at the Riley Black Box
Theatre on Wednesday, September 17 at 5:00 pm.
4c. Presentation of the Constitution Week Proclamation to the Daughters of the American
Revolution Regent, Rochelle Gerofsky
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Constitution Week. The City proclaims
September 17, 2025 to September 23, 2025, as Constitution Week. Ms. Gerofsky
discussed the importance of the Constitution and urged everyone to join in celebrating
the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on September 17 at 4pm by ringing a
bell. She noted every fifth grader in Marion County has received a workbook to learn
about the Constitution.
4d. Presentation of the Central Florida Community Action Agency Day Proclamation to
CFCAA Board Member Dr. Gwendolyn B. Dawson
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Central Florida Community Action
Agency Day. The City proclaims October 16, 2025, as Central Florida Community
Action Agency Day. Ms. Dawson thanked the City for its continued support and
partnership. The agency served over 10,000 individuals and 4,000 households last year
across Marion and Levy counties and looks forward to expanding collaboration on
housing initiatives.
4e. Presentation of the Osceola Middle School Centennial Celebration Proclamation to
Osceola Middle School Principal Renee Johnson
Mayor Marciano presented a proclamation for Osceola Middle School Centennial
Celebration Day. The City proclaims September 20, 2025, as Osceola Middle School
Centennial Celebration Day.
4f. Service Award – Sergeant Michael Diesso – Ocala Police Department - 25 Years of
Service
RESULT: PULLED
4g. Service Award – Captain Anthony Vizzini – 25 Years of Service
Mayor Marciano and City Manager Pete Lee presented a service award to Captain
Anthony Vizzini in appreciation of his 25 years of service to the City of Ocala. Captain
Vizzini expressed gratitude to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and Chief Balken
for their support, and acknowledged the importance of family and leadership in his
career.
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5. Presentations
5a. Public Information Officer, Gregory Davis – Communications Update
Public Information Officer Gregory Davis provided a six-month communications update,
highlighting team changes, social media growth, earned media coverage, and increased
use of video content. Facebook remains the strongest platform, with notable engagement
on posts related to public transparency and community events. The department issued 22
press releases and continues to expand outreach through new platforms and content
strategies.
5b. CEP annual presentation by Tamara Fleischhaker and Heather Shubirg
Tamara Fleischhaker, Interim CEO and Chief Experience Officer of the CEP, thanked
the City for its continued partnership and support. She highlighted the success of the
Ocala Downtown Market, which now attracts approximately 5,000 visitors each weekend
and hosts over 95 additional events annually. The market continues to serve as a vibrant
community venue supporting local businesses and economic growth.
Heather Shubirg, CEP Chief Growth Officer, highlighted the organization’s
entrepreneurial and job creation efforts. The Business Creation team hosted 77 events
citywide, including Ocala’s first business lender matchmaking event. Programs like Fast
Track and One Million Cups saw strong participation, including Spanish-language
offerings. The Job Creation team continues to promote growth sectors such as aviation
and life sciences. A new Air Mobility Task Force was formed to explore advanced air
travel opportunities at Ocala International Airport.
Ms. Shubirg also highlighted CEP’s strategic initiatives, including plans to develop a
healthcare incubator and ongoing talent development efforts. The organization recently
hosted a Life Sciences Career Day for high school students and reported over 4,000 jobs
and $1.4 billion in capital investment over the past five years. Marketing efforts continue
through LocateOcala.com and the Live Life Here campaign. CEP is also exploring
advanced air mobility opportunities and promoting Ocala internationally through
partnerships with Florida Commerce and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Ms.
Shubirg concluded by recognizing her team’s professional growth and shared her
excitement as she transitions to a new role with the Florida Commerce Department.
City Manager Pete Lee thanked Ms. Fleischhaker and Ms. Shubirg for their hard work.
6. Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of Council or the public
request specific items to be removed for separate discussion and action.
RESULT: APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA
MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
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SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
6a. Five-year Pole Attachment Agreement between the City of Ocala and Wire 3, LLC,
outlining the terms for attaching telecommunications equipment to City-owned utility
poles
Presentation By: Doug Peebles
6b. See Item 7
6c. Assignment of an airport hangar ground lease from Townley Engineering and
Manufacturing to Tem2025Holdings, Inc.
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
6d. Renewal of the annual maintenance and support contract of VMWare for the Ocala
Police Department in the amount of $86,303
Presentation By: Joshua Sasso
6e. Minutes from September 3, 2025 meeting
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs
7. Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion
Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at
this time.
6b. Second amendment to the Agreement for Management of the Fort King Tennis Center to
incorporate a management services fee in an amount not to exceed $98,800
Presentation By: Julie Johnson
Recreation and Parks Director Julie Johnson presented a proposed amendment to the
City’s existing contract with Jason Weiss Ventures, Inc. for management services at the
tennis center. Due to rising operational costs, staff recommends adding a monthly
management services fee of $1,900 from October 1, 2025, through January 31, 2030. The
total not-to-exceed amount is $98,800. Staff recommends approval.
Council Member Hilty expressed concern over the lack of current financial information
provided with the proposed contract amendment for tennis center management. He
questioned the early renewal of the contract and suggested it may have been timed to
avoid a new bid process. He also raised issues regarding membership data, contract
performance, and fairness, noting that subsidizing a private business could be perceived
as inequitable given other local businesses facing financial challenges.
In response to Council President Dreyer questioning an alternative option, Ms. Johnson
explained that if the City were to operate the tennis center directly, the net annual cost
would be approximately $144,227, primarily due to staffing. Total expenses would be
around $250,000, offset by an estimated $105,000 in revenue. Operating the facility
would require hiring a manager, maintenance worker, and part-time staff, along with
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contracting a teaching professional. She noted that maintaining clay courts requires
specialized training and experience, and turnover could impact quality. While the City
has managed the facility in the past, the current contract amendment is considered the
most cost-effective option. Ms. Johnson noted staff typically try to renew contracts six
months in advance.
Council Member Hilty reiterated concerns regarding the vendor’s lack of financial
reporting.
Council President Dreyer suggested tabling the item to allow the vendor an opportunity
to submit the requested financial information to the City.
Council Member Bethea suggested reopening the item for bid.
Council Member Musleh spoke in favor of allowing the vendor an opportunity to submit
financial reports.
City Manager Pete Lee stated the City will present financial reports and in-house
operation costs at a future meeting.
City Council agreed to withdraw the motion and table the item to the next meeting.
RESULT: TABLED
MOVER: Jay A. Musleh
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
NAY: Hilty Sr
8. Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances
(Second and Final Reading - October 7, 2025)
8a. Ordinance 2025-41, amending Sec. 54-31 and 54-121, Code of Ordinances, City of
Ocala, Florida, providing for maximum accumulation of waste and modifying the rate for
multi-family units with roll-off compactors
Presentation By: Darren Park
Introduced By: Ire J. Bethea Sr
RESULT: INTRODUCED
9. Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances
Note: Items 9c through 9f will be heard at 5:01pm or shortly thereafter.
9a. Permit for the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption for Genki Izakaya,
LLC., doing business as Koto Hibachi Express Sushi and Bubble Tea, located at 3811
SW College Road (Parcel 2388-002-00)(Quasi-Judicial)
Presentation By: Endira Madraveren
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Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.
Planning Director Aubrey Hale discussed an alcohol permit application submitted by
Genki Izakaya, LLC. The applicant is requesting approval of an alcohol permit for the
sale of beer and wine for on premises consumption for the subject property known as
Koto Hibachi Express Sushi and Bubble Tea, located at 3811 SW College Road. To
note, staff recommends approval.
No public comment.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
9b. Sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption for Shelijen, LLC, doing
business as, Staybridge Suites Ocala located at 4627 NW Blitchton Rd (Parcel
21509-001-02)(Quasi-Judicial)
Presentation By: Endira Madraveren
Council President Dreyer opened the public hearing.
Planning Director Aubrey Hale discussed an alcohol permit application submitted by
Shelijen, LLC. The applicant is requesting approval of an alcohol permit for the sale of
beer, wine, and liquor for on premises consumption for the subject property known as
Staybridge Suites Ocala, located at 4627 NW Blitchton Rd. To note, staff recommends
approval.
No public comment.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
9c. Resolution 2025-182 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 millage rates for the Downtown
Development Districts at the current rates of 1.7185 (District A), 1.6332 (District B), and
1.4699 (District C)
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
Budget Director Tammi Haslam discussed the adoption of resolutions 2025-182 and
2025-183. She provided a brief overview of the proposed millage rates for the
Downtown Development Districts and budget; staff recommends adoption.
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Deputy City Clerk Pamela Omichinski read the following information on the millage
resolution:
1. Name of Taxing Authority - City of Ocala Downtown Development
Districts A, B and C
2. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate for Downtown District A
is 1.7185, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 1.5995 by 7.44%.
3. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate for Downtown District B
is 1.6332, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 1.5175 by 7.62%.
4. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate for Downtown District C
is 1.4699, which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 1.3758 by 6.84%.
5. Ad valorem tax revenues are increasing to support increased operating
expenditures in the Districts.
No public comment.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:07 pm.
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
9d. Budget Resolution 2025-183 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the Downtown
Development fund in the amount of $695,065
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
Deputy Clerk Omichinski announced the total Fiscal Year 2025-26 Downtown
Development fund operating budget is $695,065.
No public comment.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:08 pm.
Council President Dreyer closed the public hearing at 5:08 pm.
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Jay A. Musleh
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
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9e. Resolution 2025-184 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 millage rate for the City of Ocala
at the current rate of 6.6177
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
Budget Director Tammi Haslam discussed the adoption of resolutions 2025-184 and
2025-185. The proposed millage rates, budget, and revised fee schedule are consistent
with the workshop information presented to City Council and the Mayor on August 12,
2025; staff recommends adoption.
Deputy City Clerk Omichinski read the following information on the millage resolution:
1. Name of Taxing Authority - City of Ocala
2. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating millage rate is 6.6177, which is greater
than the rolled-back rate of 6.2532 by 5.83%.
3. Ad valorem tax revenues are increasing to support the addition of critical
employees and assist with increasing cost pressures related to salary, benefits, and
operating costs.
No public comment.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:10 pm.
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Barry Mansfield
SECONDER: Jay A. Musleh
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
9f. Budget Resolution 2025-185 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for the City of
Ocala in the amount of $1,152,885,830
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
Deputy City Clerk Omichinski announced the Fiscal Year 2025-26 General Fund budget
total is $188,100,612. The City’s total Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget is $1,152,885,830.
No public comment.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
Council President Dreyer announced the time of adoption at 5:11 pm.
Council President Dreyer closed the public hearing at 5:11 pm.
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr
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SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10. General Business
10a. Additional expenditures under the existing agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast
LLC for solid waste disposal services in the amount of $1,719,574 for an estimated
contract total of $19,368,574
Presentation By: Darren Park
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Jay A. Musleh
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10b. Award of a five-year contract to GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC, for the provision of
solid waste disposal services with an approximate total expenditure of $19,412,250
Presentation By: Darren Park
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10c. Seventh amendment to the agreement with Waste Pro of Florida, Inc. for single-stream
curbside recycling with a yearly expenditure of $1,684,065
Presentation By: Darren Park
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10d. Three-year contract award to Shellard Lighting Design, LLC, for holiday lighting and
décor services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $508,023
Presentation By: Amy Casaletto
Jessica Fieldhouse, Ocala Mainstreet, 516 NE Sanchez Avenue, spoke in favor of
decorating Downtown with holiday lights to increase foot traffic to support small
businesses during the holiday season.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
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RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: James P. Hilty Sr
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10e. Expenditures for a contract with CenturyLink/Lumen Technologies for
bandwidth/metropolitan area network circuits in the amount of $298,296
Presentation By: Mel Poole
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10f. Resolution 2025-41 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement
grant for the rehabilitation of the general aviation terminal apron in the amount of
$2,664,891
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Barry Mansfield
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10g. Resolution 2025-42 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement
grant to extend the runway safety area (Runway 36) in the amount of $225,850
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: ADOPTED
MOVER: Barry Mansfield
SECONDER: James P. Hilty Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10h. One year renewal with Read’s Uniforms, LLC, to provide fire rescue uniforms for an
annual estimated expenditure of $138,000
Presentation By: Clint Welborn
There being no discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
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MOVER: Jay A. Musleh
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
10i. Collective bargaining agreements with the Police Officer Bargaining Unit and the
Lieutenants and Sergeants Bargaining Unit of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #129
for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028
Presentation By: Todd Swanson
Mayor Marciano commended Chief of Staff, Chris Watt, for his hard work supporting
first responders and recruiting new officers. Furthermore, he believes the City is moving
in the right direction.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
SECONDER: Barry Mansfield
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
11. Internal Auditor's Report
12. City Manager's Report
- Staff legislative priorities review
City Manager Pete Lee discussed the list of staff legislative priorities. The City is
requesting consensus from Council to move forward with the priorities, which will be
presented to the Marion County Legislative Delegation on October 1, 2025. To note, the
2026 Legislative Session begins on January 13, 2026 to March 13, 2026.
Council Member Musleh requested the City allow Council twenty-four hours to respond.
Mr. Lee stated he will contact each Council Member individually, prior to the end of the
week. Furthermore, he confirmed the City has not received a response regarding
Hometown Heroes.
Council President Dreyer requested the City add affordable housing refinancing through
Hometown Heroes to the list.
- O-Line Trolley update
City Manager Pete Lee reported the O-Line Trolley will launch on Thursday, September
18, 2025. Furthermore, he clarified the operation hours.
- City staff recognition
City Manager Pete Lee recognized staff for their hard work this year.
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13. Ocala Police Department Report
- Overview of Crime and Traffic Stops
Police Chief Mike Balken reported on crime data for the period, August 25, 2025 to
September 7, 2025: 7,600 total incidents, quadrant breakdown (dispatched versus
proactive), 274 crimes, 180 arrests, 1,067 traffic stops, 131 crashes, 18 Baker Acts, and
15 Marchman Acts.
- Department Highlights
Police Chief Mike Balken reported the department successfully responded to three
incidents in August regarding a loaded weapon and burglaries. Furthermore, Hometown
Heros honored several Police Officers with awards and catered lunch in honor of 9/11.
14. Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report
- Unit Responses
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on unit responses for a two-week period, September 2,
2025 to September 15, 2025. The two busiest units: Fire Rescue Four (164-unit
responses) and Fire Engine Four (120-unit responses).
- Service calls update
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported on call type spotlights for a three-week period,
September 2, 2025 to September 15, 2025: motor vehicle accidents 78, structure fires 5,
and community paramedicine/core 52, and calls for service 964 (17,751 calls-to-date).
- Department Highlights
Fire Chief Clint Welborn reported the department was awarded the HCA Life Saving
Award and attended the Hometown Heros Award Gala on September 4, 2025. The
department responded to a structure fire (September 5, 2025) and participated in several
9/11 remembrance ceremonies. Furthermore, four employees were recently promoted.
Council President Dreyer recognized staff for hosting several successful meetings with
the Fire Department.
15. City Attorney's Report
- Request for Quit Claim Deed
City Attorney Sexton discussed the execution of a Quit Claim Deed. He provided a brief
overview of a past abrogation performed by the City in 2006. He requested City Council
approve the Quit Claim Deed to clarify a prior abrogation of a property.
There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote.
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RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Jay A. Musleh
SECONDER: Ire J. Bethea Sr
AYE: Bethea Sr, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Musleh, and Dreyer
16. Public Comments
- Jason Tolbert, Resident, commented on homeless challenges
Jason Tolbert, no fixed address, shared his personal experience with homelessness and
health challenges, expressing frustration with barriers to assistance due to having a
service dog and lack of income. He raised concerns about the effectiveness and
accountability of the Office of Homeless Prevention and called for more targeted support
and oversight, particularly for individuals not struggling with addiction.
Mr. Tolbert emphasized that addressing homelessness requires individualized support
rather than broad policies. He shared his efforts to remain clean, contribute to the
community, and seek employment despite health challenges and systemic barriers. He
criticized local service providers, including the Office of Homeless Prevention, Salvation
Army, Interfaith, and the soup kitchen, for lack of accountability and ineffective case
management. He advocated for relocating services away from downtown and called for
more oversight and support for individuals like himself who are sober, motivated, and
seeking stability. He expressed a desire to work with the City to help others facing
homelessness.
Mr. Tolbert concluded by commending the City of Ocala and its police department for
treating him with dignity, noting that discrimination he has experienced comes primarily
from private businesses. He criticized the stigmatization of homelessness and expressed
a desire to help change public perception, emphasizing that not all homeless individuals
are criminals and that he hopes to be part of a positive shift in the community.
Council President Dreyer requested Mr. Tolbert meet with Deputy Director of
Community Development Services Robin Ford to discuss his struggles.
- Lindsey Turner, Resident, concerns of homeless issues
Lindsey Turner, Resident, concurred with Mr. Tolbert’s comments and noted he is
homeless as well.
17. Informational Items and Calendaring Items
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- Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium
- Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 3:30pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veteran's Day - City Offices closed
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices
closed
17a. Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000
17b. Flood Insurance Assessment Report
18. Comments by Mayor
- Ride-along with Code Enforcement
Mayor Marciano shared his positive experience during a recent ride-along with Code
Enforcement Officer Dale Hollingworth. He praised the department for its
professionalism, dedication, and ability to handle difficult interactions with calm and
respect. The experience provided valuable insight into the important role code
enforcement plays in maintaining city standards, and he commended the team for their
commitment despite limited resources.
- Comments on Downtown Autumn decorations
Mayor Marciano recognized the Parks & Recreations Department for decorating the City
with beautiful autumn decorations.
- Workout with the Mayor event
Mayor Marciano encouraged the public to attend the next Workout with the Mayor event
on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
- 9/11 Memorial request
Mayor Marciano expressed concern that the City did not hold a formal remembrance
event for 9/11 this year. While the “Feed the Fearless” initiative took place, he noted that
the County typically hosts a morning event and suggested that if they do not in the future,
the City should take the lead. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a
commemoration is held next year, stating it is the right thing to do.
19. Comments by City Council Members
- Council Member Musleh thanked the public for supporting his reelection
- Council President Dreyer encouraged the public to go vote
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20. Adjournment
Adjourned at 5:53 pm
Minutes
_______________________________ ________________________________
Kristen M. Dreyer Angel B. Jacobs
Council President City Clerk
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Agenda
Ocala City Council Agenda - Revised
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Meeting Information WELCOME!
Location
Citizens are encouraged to participate in City of Ocala
Ocala City Hall meetings. Speakers wishing to provide public comments to the
110 SE Watula Avenue City Council should complete a written public comment form
Second Floor - Council Chambers and shall submit said form to the City Clerk prior to the meeting
Ocala, Florida being called to order. Unless otherwise permitted, no person
https://www.ocalafl.gov/meetings
shall be permitted to provide public comments to City Council
if they have not completed and submitted a public comment
Time card prior to the meeting being called to order. Speakers will be
4:00 PM limited to 3 (three) minutes. Additional time may be granted by
the Council President. When recognized, state name and
Council Members
Kristen Dreyer, Council President address. Citizen groups are asked to name a spokesperson.
Ire Bethea Sr., Pro Tem
James P. Hilty Sr. The City of Ocala encourages civility in public discourse and
Barry Mansfield requests that speakers limit their comments to specific motions
Jay A. Musleh and direct their comments to the Council. Cell phones should be
Mayor turned off or set to vibrate.
Ben Marciano
The order of agenda items may be changed if deemed
City Manager appropriate by City Council.
Peter Lee
Citizens are encouraged to provide comments in writing to the
City Clerk before meetings for inclusion into the
Mission Statement public record. Citizens may also provide input to council
The City of Ocala provides fiscally members via office visits, phone calls, letters and e-mail that
responsible services consistent with the will become public record. In some instances, i.e., Quasi-
community's current and future Judicial Hearings, these particular contacts may be prohibited.
expectations.
APPEALS
Any person who desires to appeal any decision at this meeting
City Council's will need a record of the proceedings and for this purpose may
Strategic Priorities need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is
made that includes the testimony and evidence upon which the
Priority 1: Economic hub appeal is made.
Priority 2: Fiscally sustainable
Priority 3: Engaged workforce
ADA COMPLIANCE
Priority 4: Operational excellence
Priority 5: Quality of place If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate
in this meeting, please call the City Manager’s Office at
352-629-8401 at least 48 hours in advance so arrangements can
be made.
City Council Agenda - Revised September 16, 2025
Revised: Item 10a & 10b
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
2a. New Employees
- Jordan Price, Ocala Fiber Network
- Zachariah Farrell, Ocala Fiber Network
- Bradley Ottinger, Public Works
- Alex Jones, Public Works
- Victor Hernandez, Water Resources
3. Public Notice
4. Proclamations and Awards
4a. Presentation of the Mayor’s Citizen Recognition Award to Michael
Hoffmann
4b. Presentation of the Give4Marion Day Proclamation to Ocala/Marion
County Community Foundation President and Executive Director,
Lauren DeIorio
4c. Presentation of the Constitution Week Proclamation to the Daughters
of the American Revolution Regent, Rochelle Gerofsky
4d. Presentation of the Central Florida Community Action Agency Day
Proclamation to CFCAA Board Member Dr. Gwendolyn B. Dawson
4e. Presentation of the Osceola Middle School Centennial Celebration
Proclamation to Osceola Middle School Principal Renee Johnson
4f. Service Award – Sergeant Michael Diesso – Ocala Police Department
- 25 Years of Service
4g. Service Award – Captain Anthony Vizzini – 25 Years of Service
5. Presentations
5a. Public Information Officer, Gregory Davis – Communications Update
5b. CEP annual presentation by Tamara Fleischhaker and Heather Shubirg
6. Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of Council or the public
request specific items to be removed for separate discussion and action.
Page 1 of 5
City Council Agenda - Revised September 16, 2025
6a. Five-year Pole Attachment Agreement between the City of Ocala and
Wire 3, LLC, outlining the terms for attaching telecommunications
equipment to City-owned utility poles
Presentation By: Doug Peebles
6b. Second amendment to the Agreement for Management of the Fort
King Tennis Center to incorporate a management services fee in an
amount not to exceed $98,800
Presentation By: Julie Johnson
6c. Assignment of an airport hangar ground lease from Townley
Engineering and Manufacturing to Tem2025Holdings, Inc.
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
6d. Renewal of the annual maintenance and support contract of VMWare
for the Ocala Police Department in the amount of $86,303
Presentation By: Joshua Sasso
6e. Minutes from September 3, 2025 meeting
Presentation By: Angel Jacobs
7. Consent Agenda Items Held for Discussion
Should any items be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion, they will be discussed at
this time.
8. Introduction and First Readings of Ordinances
(Second and Final Reading - October 7, 2025)
8a. Ordinance 2025-41, amending Sec. 54-31 and 54-121, Code of ORD-2025-41
Ordinances, City of Ocala, Florida, providing for maximum
accumulation of waste and modifying the rate for multi-family units
with roll-off compactors
Presentation By: Darren Park
9. Public Hearings / Second and Final Readings / Adoption of Ordinances
Note: Items 9c through 9f will be heard at 5:01pm or shortly thereafter.
9a. Permit for the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption for
Genki Izakaya, LLC., doing business as Koto Hibachi Express Sushi
and Bubble Tea, located at 3811 SW College Road (Parcel
2388-002-00)(Quasi-Judicial)
Presentation By: Endira Madraveren
Page 2 of 5
City Council Agenda - Revised September 16, 2025
9b. Sale of beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption for
Shelijen, LLC, doing business as, Staybridge Suites Ocala located at
4627 NW Blitchton Rd (Parcel 21509-001-02)(Quasi-Judicial)
Presentation By: Endira Madraveren
9c. Resolution 2025-182 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 millage rates BR-2025-182
for the Downtown Development Districts at the current rates of 1.7185
(District A), 1.6332 (District B), and 1.4699 (District C)
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
9d. Budget Resolution 2025-183 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget BR-2025-183
for the Downtown Development fund in the amount of $695,065
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
9e. Resolution 2025-184 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 millage rate for BR-2025-184
the City of Ocala at the current rate of 6.6177
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
9f. Budget Resolution 2025-185 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget BR-2025-185
for the City of Ocala in the amount of $1,152,885,830
Presentation By: Tammi Haslam
10. General Business
10a. Additional expenditures under the existing agreement with GFL Solid
Waste Southeast LLC for solid waste disposal services in the amount
of $1,719,574 for an estimated contract total of $19,368,574
Presentation By: Darren Park
10b. Award of a five-year contract to GFL Solid Waste Southeast, LLC, for
the provision of solid waste disposal services with an approximate
total expenditure of $19,412,250
Presentation By: Darren Park
10c. Seventh amendment to the agreement with Waste Pro of Florida, Inc.
for single-stream curbside recycling with a yearly expenditure of
$1,684,065
Presentation By: Darren Park
10d. Three-year contract award to Shellard Lighting Design, LLC, for
holiday lighting and décor services in an aggregate amount not to
exceed $508,023
Presentation By: Amy Casaletto
Page 3 of 5
City Council Agenda - Revised September 16, 2025
10e. Expenditures for a contract with CenturyLink/Lumen Technologies for
bandwidth/metropolitan area network circuits in the amount of
$298,296
Presentation By: Mel Poole
10f. Resolution 2025-41 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration RES-2025-41
Airport Improvement grant for the rehabilitation of the general aviation
terminal apron in the amount of $2,664,891
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
10g. Resolution 2025-42 to accept a Federal Aviation Administration RES-2025-42
Airport Improvement grant to extend the runway safety area (Runway
36) in the amount of $225,850
Presentation By: Matthew Grow
10h. One year renewal with Read’s Uniforms, LLC, to provide fire rescue
uniforms for an annual estimated expenditure of $138,000
Presentation By: Clint Welborn
10i. Collective bargaining agreements with the Police Officer Bargaining
Unit and the Lieutenants and Sergeants Bargaining Unit of the
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #129 for the period of October 1,
2025, through September 30, 2028
Presentation By: Todd Swanson
11. Internal Auditor's Report
12. City Manager's Report
13. Ocala Police Department Report
14. Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report
15. City Attorney's Report
16. Public Comments
17. Informational Items and Calendaring Items
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 3:00pm - TPO Meeting - Marion County BOCC Auditorium
- Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 3:30pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Veteran's Day - City Offices closed
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 3:45pm - CRA Board meeting - Council Chambers
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 4:00pm - City Council meeting - Council Chambers
- Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Holiday - City Offices
closed
Page 4 of 5
City Council Agenda - Revised September 16, 2025
17a. Fully Executed Contracts Under $50,000
17b. Flood Insurance Assessment Report
18. Comments by Mayor
19. Comments by City Council Members
20. Adjournment
Page 5 of 5
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